If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck.
But what about termites? How do you know for sure that termites are what you’re dealing with, and more importantly, what should you do about it?
To be honest, given the choice, most of us would probably prefer to have a duck running loose in our homes over termites because, well, they just aren’t nearly as destructive. Termites wreak havoc on the wooden structures in your home or business, chewing away silently while you go about your day, unaware of what’s going on in secret.
Once you realize that termites are at play, there’s a good chance that panic will set in, and you’ll take to Google, frantically searching for treatments. “Termite bug bomb” comes up as a seemingly easy fix to your pest problem.
But before you run to the hardware store, you may want to pause for a moment. Do bug bombs actually work, and are they effective for termites? Unfortunately, this might not be the silver bullet you think it is. Let’s break down why that’s the case.
What is a Termite Bug Bomb?
A termite bug bomb, also called a total-release fogger, is a pesticide delivery system that’s designed to release chemicals into the air to kill insects in an enclosed space.
They’re commonly marketed as convenient, over-the-counter tools and can be used for everything from fleas to cockroaches and, of course, termites. With termites in particular, the idea is that the bug bomb’ chemicals will infiltrate the area and eliminate the infestation in one go.
But as is the case with any “miracle cure” that’s marketed to homeowners, termite bug bombs come with a catch. Or several, in this case.
Bug bombs work by dispersing chemicals into the air, then settling on exposed surfaces. The problem is that termites don’t hang out on exposed surfaces. Their colonies are typically hidden deep within wood, walls, or even underground. They’re completely out of the bomb’s reach.
Why a Termite Bug Bomb Might Not Be the Best Solution
For the reasons specified above, termites aren’t likely to make a dent in eliminating termites. Foggers can’t penetrate underground or deep inside wood, and this delivery style is only superficial, meaning it only affects pests directly exposed to it.
Termite colonies require highly targeted treatments that reach the most secluded spaces. Even the strongest bug bombs won’t achieve that.
Not only that, but fumigation with termite bug bombs may inadvertently spread the problem. Worker termites may sense danger, forcing them to retreat deeper into your home. Beyond just being ineffective, this can make professional extermination even harder later on.
The Hidden Risks of Termite Bug Bombs
Questioning the effectiveness of termite bug bombs is one thing, but there’s also the matter of safety. Termite bug bombs present several risks that need to be addressed as well.
For one, they can be toxic to you and your family. The chemicals in termite bug bombs can be dangerous if inhaled, or if your pets or children come into contact with treated surfaces.
According to multiple studies, these chemicals can cause adverse health effects, including respiratory irritation and nausea.
Bug bombs also require precautionary measures, like removing food items or covering furniture. You also need to ensure proper ventilation after use and leave the home during the process.
Without following all these guidelines to a T, you could unintentionally expose yourself to pesticides. These added inconveniences might make you question, “is this really worth the risk?”:
Professional Termite Treatments vs. Bug Bombs
Now that we’ve cracked the bed bug myth, you’re likely wondering what works better. The answer lies in trusting the pros.
Licensed pest control companies, like our team at Green Shield Pest Pros, have the tools, expertise, and training to locate and eliminate termite colonies quickly and effectively.
Unlike bug bombs, our strategies involve targeted treatments designed to infiltrate termite hideouts.
We’ll carefully evaluate the situation to figure out what will work best in your specific case, then decide if liquid termiticides, baiting systems, or something else entirely will work best to hit the colony where it will hurt the most. Most importantly, we’ll make sure the queen and workers responsible for sustaining the infestation are completely eradicated.
At Green Shield, we understand the importance of keeping your family and the environment safe. We use eco-friendly methods whenever it’s possible and practical, so you can say goodbye to harmful chemicals lingering in your home.
Of course, with professional pest control, the focus isn’t only on termite removal, but on prevention. Our treatments are designed to protect your home for the long term so you don’t have to keep battling termites year after year.
Preventing Termite Infestations from Taking Hold in the Future
While professional treatments are the best way to handle active infestations, preventing termites from entering your home in the first place is perhaps even more important.
This is another area where Green Shield Pest Pros can help. We’ll help you pinpoint areas and steps that will keep termites out, like maintaining proper drainage to avoid excess moisture around your home, sealing cracks in your foundation, and making sure the wood elements of your home don’t make contact with the soil.
Combined with professional termite inspections, we’ll help you stay one step ahead of termites at all times.
The Takeaway: Should You Use a Termite Bug Bomb?
You’ve made it this far, so by now, you probably have the answer to your question: termite bug bombs aren’t a reliable way to get rid of termites in your home. They might seem like an easy, low-cost solution, but their limitations, risks, and lack of overall effectiveness make them a poor choice for fighting a termite infestation.
Instead, trust our team of experts at Green Shield Pest Pros. With our proven strategies and friendly approach, we’re Columbus’s trusted name in pest control.
Don’t take chances with termites. Take action that works.
